WASHINGTON, DC - The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Action Fund, which works to elect candidates who will implement sound environmental policies, today announced its endorsement of Frank Kratovil (MD-1) for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Kratovil received a solid 79% score on LCV’s 2009 National Environmental Scorecard.*

“Congressman Kratovil has fought to bring clean energy jobs to Maryland and reduce our national dependence on foreign oil,” said LCV President Gene Karpinski. “We endorse Congressman Kratovil for re-election because we know he will support efforts to make clean energy the profitable type of energy for Maryland and help the U.S. lead in the 21st century’s clean energy economy.”

Rep. Kratovil voted for the House-passed American Clean Energy and Security Act that would help create over 26,000 clean energy jobs in Maryland**, reduce carbon pollution and increase energy independence. He also supported the single largest investment in clean energy in history – more than $80 billion for energy efficiency, renewable energy and public transit in the economic recovery package, with substantial investments going to Maryland’s 1st district to create new energy jobs and promote energy efficiency in buildings and homes in the district.

"In the First District, the environment and the economy go hand in hand. From seafood industry to tourism, protecting our economic future means protecting the health of our environment,” said Rep. Kratovil. “I'm proud to be fighting in Congress to protect the bay, encourage a new green energy economy, and finally take real steps to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”

Rep. Kratovil has consistently supported efforts to improve energy efficiency standards for automobiles and public buildings. He is also a member of the Congressional Chesapeake Bay Task Force, which works to explore issues relating to the Bay and advocates for conservation resources. In stark contrast, Maryland State Senator Andy Harris voted against the Healthy Air Act and the Clean Cars Act, supported efforts to build in the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and has fought against every initiative to reduce global warming pollution.

“Andy Harris has earned an abysmal 13% lifetime score from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters,” said Maryland LCV Executive Director Cindy Schwartz. “In Andy Harris’s unsuccessful bid for Congress in 2008, he said serving in Congress takes leadership and vision. We couldn’t agree more. We believe that Frank Kratovil will continue to provide good conservation leadership and will reach out to others to provide a new vision for a clean energy future.

Rep. Kratovil is also featured on LCVAF’s GiveGreen website, http://lcv.org/givegreen, the only bundling website devoted exclusively to raising money for environmental champions and candidates.